like many, i always said, "i support a woman's right to choose, but i would never have an abortion myself." until i got pregnant in my early 20s.

i got pregnant my freshman year of college. i was the smart, religious kid, and i definitely knew better... or so i thought.

in high school i was in an abusive relationship. it didn't start out that way of course, things were great for a while. but a few months in the mental abuse started, then later it progressed to physical abuse.

thank you for giving me a place to tell this story. 25 years ago, when my oldest daughter was 8 months old, i found out i was pregnant again.

i am 60 years old and have had 4 abortions. each experience was different and for different reasons, which were deeply personal. yes, it was sad and emotional but i'm happy i was able to have them.

i was 21 years old, living in new york city on my own, and dating a guy named nathan how was a few years older than i was. nathan was a very sick alcoholic but i never had any exposure to alcoholism growing up so i honestly believed i could save him and help him get sober.